Alabama criminals sentenced to time in church
The separation between church and state has narrowed a bit in Alabama, where judges are now sentencing criminals to time behind bars or in a church pew.
Freedom of religion inspires great works of satire.
WKRG in Mobile reports city judges in nearby Bay Minette began giving non-violent criminals that fateful choice this week.
“Operation Restore Our Community,” which could be called “Operation We Lock Up More People Than We Can Afford,” will save the town of 8,000 a lot of cash, if offenders choose to get right with Jesus (or Allah).
Lawbreakers get to pick the church of their choice, but must check in with the pastor once a week for a year to get off the legal hook.
Bay Minette Police Chief Mike Rowland told WKRG it costs his department about $75 per inmate per day to feed, house and delouse criminals.
So far, 56 churches in North Baldwin County are participating. I bet none are Wiccan.
Rowland says the program doesn’t violate separation of church and state issues, but must not have run across any scorned atheists or ACLU lawyers, who are already considering a legal assault.
“This policy is blatantly unconstitutional,” said Olivia Turner, executive director for the ACLU of Alabama in an article in the Mobile Press-Register. ”It violates one basic tenet of the Constitution, namely that government can’t force participation in religious activity.”
Those planning to jaywalk in Alabama may want to go ahead and Google ”Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster” locations near Mobile.
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25 comments Add your comment
Atlanta Native
September 26th, 2011
6:23 pm
They do not HAVE to go to church, there is another option. I think atheist evangelists need to see this as an opportunity to move into Alabama. I don’t know what the agnostics will do, but then again, neither do they!
Touched by his Noodly Appendage
September 26th, 2011
6:44 pm
“But guess what, if you don’t believe in God, why do you put so much energy into convincing others of his lack of existence?”
I don’t believe in God, nor do I put much energy into convincing others of anything. If you want to believe in mystical, imaginary friends more power to you. Just leave me alone.
I wonder why so many religious people want to put so much energy into getting me to believe in their faith? Here is the reason. Deep down you know the whole thing is just plain silly. But you need more people to sign on to your faith to validate your belief and make you feel better about your imaginary friends.
The issue here isn’t whether there’s a god or not, it’s why Alabama doesn’t understand the concept of separation of church and state.
Ralph
September 26th, 2011
6:48 pm
I really like it. But perhaps it would be more defensible in the eyes of a liberal federal judge if there were a second “non-jail” option offered.
Barb
September 26th, 2011
7:03 pm
They’re being offered a choice – not being forced to the church. I agree with Ralph, maybe add another option – jail, church or community service. I believe in God but have a hard time with churches, others may feel that way too.
Atlanta Native
September 26th, 2011
7:08 pm
I was going to recommend either a Michael Bay or Merchant Ivory film festival, but that has 8th Amendment problems.
FINALLY
September 26th, 2011
7:20 pm
Touched by his Noodly Appendage:
I am not looking for validation from others and I am not offended by your blasphemous comments. That is how I expect a non-believer to behave. The reason us “religious people” try to evangelize folks like yourself is because were are commissioned by Jesus in the New Testament to share the good news with the world. By the way, I don’t consider myself a religious person. Religion is rituals, routines and actions that people use to try and earn favor with God. Since that is impossible to do I prefer to be spiritual which implies that I have surrendered to an all powerful God who has forgiven my sins through His sacrifice.
As for the separation of church and state, there is a clear separation you can go to church or go to jail. The choice is theirs to make. Don’t get arrested in Alabama and you won’t have to worry about that will you?
Give ME Jail
September 26th, 2011
7:26 pm
@FINALLY
I’d go to jail before I’d spend a day (let alone a year)with people like you with your nonsense.
FINALLY
September 26th, 2011
7:36 pm
Maybe it is nonsense, maybe it isn’t. Why do you think it’s nonsense.
Church or jail? « Just a link
September 27th, 2011
1:35 am
[...] Alabama criminals sentenced to time in church [...]
Marilyn LaCourt
September 27th, 2011
9:44 pm
The first commandment:
God said “love me or go to hell”.
The Judge said, “Love god or go to jail”.